Toronto launches grant program for green roofs

TORONTO, ON, Canada — Toronto City Hall has implemented a grant program to encourage the planting of green roofs before a new law mandating them on all new construction takes effect, according to the National Post.

The three-year, $2.6-million program is intended for retrofitting existing structures with eco-friendly roofs, but new buildings are eligible to apply for grants this fall, the story stated.

Critics of the program are calling it a waste of money considering green roofs will be mandatory in less than a year, the story noted.

Mike Mulqueen, a senior planner at the Toronto Environment Office, said: "When we initially drafted the Eco-roof Incentive Program, we thought we would move a bit quicker with the bylaw and it would be up and running and in place in 2009, but now it’s January, 2010, that it takes effect. In 2009, it’s eligible for new construction under the Eco-roof Incentive Program. In 2010, we could go either way. It could go just for retrofits or it could include new construction as well."

Under the program, owners of commercial, industrial or institutional buildings can receive up to $50 per square meter to a maximum of $100,000 for a green roof that supports vegetation, the story added.

According to the story, for a cool roof, which is designed to reflect the sun’s rays, building owners can qualify for $5 per square meter up to a maximum of $50,000.

To read about Toronto''s plan to make green roofs mandatory, click here.